Vergil pushed his ship to its absolute limit to break orbit. Normal time to do so usually took eight and a half minutes give or take; Vergil forced it to seven, knowing that after the exit and re-entry through Earth's atmosphere would probably total the ship in the long run, but he didn't care. The barely breathing human in his arms forced him to turn to drastic measures to keep the boy alive.
Vergil calculated the time to traverse the planet's orbit to make it back to the City. The Earth's rotational speed and his ships would bring it to fifteen minutes, give or take.
"Tower, this is Vergil-11. I am en route with a downed Guardian, severe third degree void burns along the body and puncture wounds through the hands; prep for emergency surgery. ETA fifteen minutes."
"Copy that, Guardian. Is the patient's Ghost on standby?" Vergil hesitated for a brief second.
"Negative, patient's ghost has been lost." The pause on the other end was deafening to Vergil.
"Understood, bring your ship round to the emergency hanger."
"Copy that, Vergil-11 out."
Vergil place his hand over Hector's chest, focusing his light to keep the young warlock's heart beating. The pulse was there, but barely.
"Keep it up kid, you're almost home." Vergil's words were but a whisper, but some part of him liked to think he heard him.
Vergil's ship screamed over the Last City towards the Tower. If someone in the streets were to look up to see what was happening, all they'd get was an earful of engines and a contrail. On the Emergency Hanger platform a team of doctors rolled out a gurney and ran up to the ship as it made its approach. Near the entrance the nurse rolled Veda out onto the deck, making sure to keep out of the way.
Vergil dropped out, carry Hector in his arms. Looking like a wreak himself with shattered armour and torn cloak, he was immediately bombarded with concern for his own well-being as he laid the warlock down in the gurney. His ire rose so much a dent on his face plate visibly popped back to normal.
"I'm not the one dying here you idiots! Help me with him already!" Those few concerned for him took a reality check and focused on Hector, rolling him off the deck into the emergency room, Vergil still keeping his heart rate up with his healing light. As they passed through the doors, Vergil caught the sight of Veda in a wheelchair for a brief moment. He quickly returned focus on his patient, leaving the young awoken girl and her nurse behind.
There was little to be heard, or even recognized on Veda's part. In all actuality, the hangar was already normally bustling and loud, with ships in and out, revving up to jet off. And with the commotion of injured Guardians, and a dying one at that, it was an absolute uproar. However, to Veda, the full measure of the chaos was swathed. It could have been her injured body, but it's more likely that the sheer inability to decide on an emotion had left her to spiral into an internal chaos. Despite the nurse trying to get her attention, Veda's silver eyes only remained on the platform. When Vergil finally materialized, they widened in recognition. Not only of him, but the man in his arms. Ashen lips parted slightly, and her expression blackened. Now all of her regard was on her fallen brother. A man she had only just began to start putting back into subconscious memory. That memory, now forced up to break the surface; to end its drowning. It was a painful transition that Veda was not equipped to express. So it started with a catalyst gasp, that sounded like she had inhaled a piece of ice. The nurse looked down at her patient, only to be aghast by the sudden terrifying paleness of the girl's features, her scared expression, and the boundless messy tears that were constantly welling up and spilling down her ashen skin. Without a chance to speak up, a miniscule sound redirected the woman's attention. The nurse bent closer, her brow furrowing as she was about to ask her to speak again.
"F-follow them." Veda faintly whispered, her eyes pursuing the disappearing figures. When the woman paused in shock, Veda turned in her seat, defying the pain that retorted against such an action, and the fearful expression transmogrified into rage.
"TAKE ME TO THEM!" A bellowing and cracking scream echoed through the hangar, the voice's tone desperate, frantic and an absolute reflection of Veda's incoherence.
The nurse became flustered at the sudden outburst from her patient, but complied with her "request", following the team of nurses, surgeons and one warlock out to the emergency room.
As the team entered the emergency room, Vergil became surrounded by rushed movement and words. He understood what was going on, he just didn't belong in it. His abilities weren't meant to absolutely fix people, rather tie them over until someone who know what they were doing could do their work. Cuts, scraps, maybe a broken bone, no problem. But this? He decided to stay only until they didn't need him to keep Hector's heart going. This was signaled when a nurse put a hand on his shoulder to escort him out. He made absolute sure that he wasn't needed before agreeing. As he left the nurse that took him fussed over him to which he assured her he would be fine.
"I know the best mechanic in the City ma'am, he'll patch me up as good as new." He stopped when they reached the waiting room; Veda sat in her wheelchair with her nurse tending to her. Tears fell from her face before he watched her bury her face in her hands.
"Ma'am, I'll be fine. Spark, call up Jacques and have him meet me down here for some repairs. Could you give us a moment please?" The nurse gave Vergil skeptical look before heading back into the ER. Vergil slowly approached Veda and her aid. The aid watched as the Exo approached, his tattered form and armor immediately blared alarms in her medical instinct. However, based on his conversations through both the medical bay and the hangar, even if she inquired or pressed him about his injuries, he would most likely dismiss her. So instead, as he glanced between her distressed patient and a Guardian returning from the field, the out-of-place nurse excused herself, giving a reassuring smile to the man before quietly walking off. Vergil nodded to her and turned to Veda.
"I thought you were resting."
Veda had no time to notice as she curled her fingers, her nails dragging across her skin. Black lashes clung to the other set tightly enough to bridge the tears, but only for so long. Soon, they pushed passed her pale barriers and continued their cascade across her features. There was no way that she could look up at Vergil, or move her hands away. The young Awoken knew his kind nature, and would try to console her; something she didn't' want. The last thing she wanted was to receive empathy, in a time of confusing tormenting emotions. In lieu of a reply, the girl vigorously shook her head, only a few gasping breathes escaped her as she struggled to breathe between silent sobs. Choking out a few words, the cracked voice finally arose from its toil.
"I-I…" A large sob racked her chest, her back bending even closer toward her knees which were quivering mercilessly. "I th-thought, H-Hector was…" The opportunity to complete her thoughts crashed into her overwhelming conflict of madness, as she completely broke down into loud sobs, messy noses and sopping ashen skin. Truly, this ungraceful display was nothing like the elegant description of sadness desired by most girls. However, vanity was nonexistent even in Veda's subconscious.
Vergil took a glance back at the operating room before sitting across from Veda in one of the waiting room chairs. He decided to just lay out the facts.
"He's alive, but it doesn't look good. The void burns cover his right side from the chin to the waist, but it's his arm they're worried about. The Fallen..." He paused, part of him not willing to go on but he forced himself to. Not giving her all the crucial information up front would just make things worse. "They pinned him to a wall using his Ghost as a spike through his hands, and the wound got infected. That coupled with the severe burns, he might lose the arm."
Vergil reached over and put a hand on her shoulder.
"But he's alive Veda, and the rest of your family will be coming home too."
The girl continued her gawky spiral of tears and sobs, her attention almost missing his explanation. However, as Veda realized the contents of his consolation, she managed to look up. The bottom rim of eye glistened at it's intended waterline, bubbling tears presaging a dark return to the violent racking sobs. Below, her ashen skin was a soft red, and her lids were growing puffy. While it relieved her that her family was returning, there was some part of his explaining, just after Vergil had paused; that information hit her with a seething clang, much like a hammer striking a molten blade against its anvil.
For a moment, the Awoken's lips softly parted, a tight dry feeling in the back of her throat, straying her from her intentions. With Amicus' encouragement and support however, the young Hunter finally cracked out her voice once more.
"H-His Ghost is...gone?" It was then that the fragile voice turned frantic her silver eyes agape with confusion and fear.
"HOW IS- HOW IS HE GOING TO-" Before she could finish, a large gulp of air seemed to strain in her lungs as she began fighting to breathe. Clenching her medical gown with shaking slender fingers, the girl lightly bent over in her seat, her heart pounding in her chest. Though Veda was indeed able to respire, it felt as though she was drowning; Ebony tar filling up the space between her voice and herself. If Hector, a proud Guardian she knew and loved, was without a Ghost; without Sven, his life as he knew it would crumble beneath him. His existence would be convoluted.
It was all her fault. She had done this to him; to her entire family! Brothers and sisters of Light, lost because of her stupidity; her immaturity; her wild impulse. It was then, that the return of the same obliterating sensation of guilt washed through her shaking figure. The wide eyes and posture fell down. Slumping in her wheelchair, Veda stared downwards for a small passage of infinity, in a rather hollow state. Not even Amicus' screaming into her consciousness was snapping her out of it.
Vergil's eyes went wide and he rushed over, propping Veda back up and placed his hands on either side of her face. Closing his eyes he began whispering unknown words of power, letting his mind connect with the young awoken's. Tendrils of thought and Light weaved through and around her consciousness, comforting her while the words, echoing with strange sounds, gave her something to ground herself and bring her back from the brink.
He felt her breathing slow down to a reasonable pace and the clout of darkness began ebbing away. Her body shuddered and her hands grabbed around for support until she found Vergil's arms, holding them tight as her eyes came back into focus and looked into his own. Tears welled up in her eyes again as Vergil let out a sigh of relief and cupped her cheek and grasped her shoulder.
"Shhh, it's alright now. It's alright. I am here."
Almost like a newborn fawn, Veda quivered before the Exo. Clenching onto his arms and feeling her limbs vibrate so feebly was completely degrading. How was she, a representative of justice, defense and the Traveler itself, supposed to fulfill that duty while she was still so weak. So very weak, her heart could barely handle it. And it wasn't a simple matter of the body; Her soul shuddered with doubt and failing purpose, degenerating as she let tears fall. For someone who had almost never cried in her entire existence, even before her revival (for as far back she can remember), the amount and power of which she cried was phenomenal, and quite pathetic. The Guardians outside the med bay were all to prone to Tower gossip, and the cries weren't all that hard to pin down. A few tried to casually slip by to check out the scene, only to be aghast by the rather sad view. Veda now, had regained her consciousness, and found her way back to a path she vaguely recognized. But even while she was herself, that being was deteriorating quickly as she began losing purpose as a Guardian. Of course, the Awoken was silenced by physical and mental decay for the moment, and thus was unable to express such worries and fears. Instead, the girl, who was once considered a valuable Guardian and member of a proud fireteam, was reduced to the mindset of an infant, who then wrapped her arms around the Warlock's neck, her body still shaking. The simple mind's only wish for the moment was to be carried away; To stop herself from fighting demons she felt so miniscule in comparison to. Veda knew she was not ready; She knew she was not fit; And her pride and purpose certainly took a toll for such a weakening mentality.
Vergil wrapped his arms around the shaking girl into a hug. It was a bit awkward since she was still in her wheelchair, but he made it work.
"I know you're feeling lost right now but know that you are not alone, Veda." He pulled away to look at her straight on. "The last few days have been stressful to say the least, but you cannot lose hope now. Hector is alive, and he will live. If he's manage to stay alive this long I have no doubt in my mind he will pull through, but he needs you to be strong too. You need each other now more than ever and I will help in whatever way that I can. You have my word on that."
Having to look at the Exo straight on was not as comfortable as she'd like it to be. But that slight discomfort was quite easily discarded in the looming shadow of her current torrent of emotions. Her face was so full of doubt and it crumpled as she restrained tears. As usual, the wise warlock was correct. There wasn't time for her to be so irrational. Veda knew she was needed strong for her brother who was closer to the brink than she'd been. In fact, shame stopped her heart for a moment while she reflected on how stupid her behavior was. It was so childish and selfish. To be acting like she was the only person suffering, while great news had arrived and her brother still had a heartbeat. Tearing away her gaze, the Awoken bit harshly into her bottom lip. A retort was in order, because she wanted to question him; how would he know if Hector would pull through? For all they knew, without his Ghost, Hector could be in his final moments.
An anger built up over that, which simply convoluted her mind further. Yet, to prevent Vergil from trying to intervene, she felt as though she wouldn't say anything. Instead, a shaky breathe came out her mouth, and breathe was inhaled just as hesitantly through her nose. Veda closed her eyes and lifted her thin hand up, almost in a mid-wave manner.
"I-I need to be alone." The Hunter expelled, obviously trying to retain the sturdiest tone and posture she could. Every fiber of her being hoped that the Exo wouldn't retort.
Vergil nodded and stood up.
"I understand. But please, do not be too hard on yourself; it is okay to mourn, and it is okay to have doubts. It's only when we let our doubts control us we lose the battle."
He motioned to the aid to come back before placing a hand on Veda's shoulder.
"Get some rest. Seriously. You should be out cold right now." He smiled as he patted her shoulder. "You'll have a clearer head after a good sleep. We have a lot of work to do when you can get back on your feet."
He looked down at himself. The torn robe and broken straps and armour hung loosely over him. "And I'll need to get a new wardrobe." He chuckled. "I suppose it's about time, a couple of decades wearing the same armor does get a little bland." He looked up, a sullen look crossing his face.
"I suppose we'll see each other again at the funerals yes?"
As he explained what she should be doing, Veda softly nodded along. Despite him trying to make a cheerier self for her, not even she had the strength or will power to force a smile. But, he was right. He was ALWAYS right. It irritated her that he was right in such a dark situation. That feeling that while she was just so lost, he was just so sure. The young Awoken resented Vergil's knowledge and maturity in such a situation. Which she internally reflected back toward the Exo. It made matters worse, because she shouldn't have, and she knew it; even if the thought was brief and the resentment subsided quickly. Sure, she could blame her messy mental state, but that wouldn't solve any problems; if Veda was to grow stronger, she'd need to face up for her childish actions. Her times as being the baby of the fireteam were history. Even while she was till fairly young, there was no room in this world to stay that way. Veda needed to grow up; She scolded herself for not doing so. Externally composed, Veda gave a final nod before her arms shakily reached down to start pushing the wheels. The Hunter's attempts were thwarted as Vergil spoke up again, much more solemnly. That made her lurch forward slightly, as though a pain pulsed through her abdomen.
"Urk..." Veda softly exclaimed, before taking in a sharp breathe. Squeezing her eyes, she pursed her lips and exerted her last nod, before she turned her head completely away from his. The nurse saw her discomfort and gave a pleading and sympathetic look to the Exo Guardian, before wheeling away her patient. For sure, the head of staff would have her head if she knew what she had permitted to happen just minutes after showing signs of alertness.
Vergil nodded at the aid and let them go. As he watched them leave his eyes lit up, remember something.
"Hold on a moment!" The aid slowly wheeled Veda around as he jogged over to them and summoned Spark. The warlock and his ghost nodded at each other in silent agreement and Spark materialized the Fallen Captain's sword Vergil had used in the battle. Spark had cleaned it up from the blood and gore from the battle, letting the blade shine nearly new. Vergil presented it to Veda handle first.
"When you are ready, I'll show you how to use this properly." He spoke with propriety and authority; she was not to use it unless under his direction.
Glancing up at the Exo, her silver eyes waved over the blade. He... wanted her to have it? A large wave of doubt came through once more, as the Hunter's slightly agape mouth closed in thought. After a moment, she reached up, her slim fingers curling about the handle. Testing it like this, Veda realized it would be hard to carry on her own, and thus took it to place in her lap. Despite her attempts, Amicus interrupted and he too emerged. Materializing, he glanced at the companions. Turning back to his guardian, he scanned the blade before it slowly dematerialized.
"Got it." He confirmed, glancing over to the Exo. Gently gliding over, he stopped at his fellow Ghost, Spark.
"I'll send you any news if she- If anything gets worse." The stubborn machine confided, sounding slightly embarrassed that he had to now trust these two, knowing their relations with his own companion. Amicus was now well aware that he was not her only pillar of strength.
Spark nodded to Amicus, a mutual respect had grown between the two now; their Guardians relied on each other, so they had to rely on one another too.
Vergil and Spark watched as the trio headed out of the waiting room. It was only after several moments after they had left Vergil let out a sigh of relief. Spark spun his frame around to face him.
"Well that could've been worse. What now?"
Vergil nodded in agreement before materializing the strange cylinder in his hand. At least it was strange to Spark. It was a gold plated and glowed in a language made of lettering combined from Nordic runes and chinese symbols along with other old languages. The letters pulsed with light in the pattern of an SOS signal, but the emergency beacon had fallen silent when Vergil had taken it from Wreavnix. The ghost shuddered. He never expected to see that particular Fallen and his twin brother again. Not after their last encounter.
Vergil held up the artifact, gazing longly at it as if old memories from a bygone era were flying past his eyes.
"When you first brought me back from the dead that night, all I cared about was what I had lost; my home, my family." He looked up at the little machine of Light. "You told me that whatever had happened was long past caring, that I needed to move on if I wanted what was left of humanity to survive. And you were right. I moved forward, I let the past stay the past. But some part of me always held on to that faint string of hope that not all was lost forever. And now, after centuries together my friend, Fate has rewarded us."
The Ghost nodded, bobbing up and down. "Okay...so what is it?"
Vergil smiled. "A contingency plan, hundreds of years in the making. And it will change everything. But there's still a lot of work that needs to be done, starting with this." He shook the cylinder.
"I'm guessing it needs to be deciphered." Spark caught on.
"Oh yes. Like you wouldn't believe." Vergil was giddy with excitement now. It was rare to see him this excited about...well anything. But Spark knew his Guardian, he knew his secrets and greatest treasures, and he would gladly lay his Light on the line to protect them.
"Then let's not waste anymore time. Jacques is going to meet us at the apartment, he'll take care of you there." Spark's tone turned sarcastic. "'At a reduced cost.'"
"Brilliant." Vergil turned to leave the room, but stopped at the door to glance back at the emergency room. He hoped fate would be just as kind to Hector and Veda as it was to him. He turned away and hurried down the hallway towards his apartment to start his work.
Against terrifying odds, time had allied with the fallen Guardians. A speedy recovery was due for the female Hunter. At least, physically. Amicus doubted that Veda would return to her normal self; Not until she had closure at the funeral that was scheduled for sometime after Hector awoke. The busy Ghost was helping prepare plans for the funeral, set to take place just outside the Tower. The Tower was a hub; no place for reverence to the fallen family to take place, especial seeing eager and hurried Guardians constantly running amok. Those who were available to come were invited to attend. The small metallic apparatus had no doubt many would come to attend... But he kept constant communication with Spark, nagging to assure that the event would be closed casket, and other important information. Not to mention, the girl, being so young, had almost never stopped with her family for a break. If they weren't stopping at the Tower and City for food or equipment, they were out in the field. It was an exciting experience, even for Amicus, knowing that other Ghosts would not have been able to be blessed with such a family immersive experience like that. It's that closeness that left Amicus to his own measures of grief. He too, missed the family; that experience was priceless to the little machine of the Traveler. Reminiscing would be due as soon as he got a chance to rest, but now was a time to prepare.
It had taken hours of surgery; very, very careful surgery at that, in consideration of the loss of the Guardian's Ghost. Bleak as it was, the surgeons and nurses tending to the survivor had high hopes. It was obvious he was a fighter, having lived so long. It was common, in such strong wills prominent in the Guardian population. They had to: they were Earth's only hope. Hour-long struggles turned to day long wars, fighting to keep the man alive. After four days, with short intervals of rest for the staff, the man was checked into the regular ward and considered stable. By this time, Veda had rested up, taken medicine quietly, and regained most of her mobility. Against many wishes, as soon as her brother had left the emergency ward, Veda bolted to his room and stayed there for hours on end in silence. Most times, she'd have to be carried out by a doctor, because she'd fall asleep as time was lost to them. Because of the human's dire condition, he was kept under anesthesia, until the doctors could fully determine that his internal bleeding and oblique and multiple compound fractures had at least had time to at least until the hematoma could form. Of course, the man was going to be immobile for many months unseen. As expected, it took a while for Hector to awaken. However, when he did, Veda was sleeping beside his bed, her arms folded over the blankets, acting as a pillow for her motionless head.
Moments turned to minutes as the man simply stared, aghast by the sight. While his left eye was puffy and hard to open, the right was wide and full of confusion. Recalling fragmented thoughts of the last time he had been awake, began painting a bloody, and fearful image. His chest stiffened as he silently stared at the young Awoken, who's face didn't need to be seen to recognize her. Before long, painful jerks of tears crawled past his eyelids, and when he tried to move to wipe them, his entire body ached and groaned in retort. Moaning from the painful throbs, Veda's figure stirred. The man bit his bottom lip, his body racked in fear. Hector could only wonder how much she knew. The man clenched his jaw, a painful feeling shooting through his face, but still kept it there. What could he say? All words seemed to crumble away in the wake of his fear, caught in his throat which creaked when he tried to open his mouth. Tears kept pursuit down his cheeks, before he bowed his head and let the freely flow. Knowing that he was alone in the room with Veda meant only one obvious thing: there were no others. The family was broken. Realizing how young Veda was to the world was one thing, but recognizing how devastating this would be to her was another. Silence was broken as he glanced up to see a pair of silver irises gleaming back at him. Cringing, Hector took note of a gash across her lip, and the heavy red circles beneath her eyes.
'So she knows...' He painfully thought to himself. Veda wasn't sure what to do on her hand. He was awake, and all instincts told her to hold him against her tightly, to ensure she'd never let him go; to never lose him again. A rational thought prevented such actions, seeing as he was injured. A sharp staggered breathe accompanied by a hesitant shaking hand extending toward the human's Veda managed a smile. A smile that had a combination of emotions stitching the lips together. Like a catalyst, Veda was once more crying just as her brother was, and they both squeezed each others hand.
Under normal circumstances, Hector was a handsome human, with chiseled features and a cocky attitude. The male was rambunctious to say the least, and enjoyed messing with his hair. Before they had gone off on this suicide hunt, he vaguely remembered having a long chocolate ponytail, with both sides shaven. Now looking at him, his scalp was nearly bare, only stubble to protect his pale features.
"I-I'm sorry..." A shock waved through the man as his eyes tried to widen. The Hunter, had apologized. A thousand questions whirred through his head; One most prominent, was: How long has she been blaming herself?
"Veda." The girl took a moment to bring her face back up. Looking at her brother, so battered and almost unrecognizable, was painful. But avoiding his gaze was just that much worse. What made it worse, was that hearing his voice made her heart jump for joy when everything else battered her into morbid sorrow.
"You made it, and that's what matters kiddo." The weakling voice cracked out, Hector trying to make a smile, but feeling the rest of his face retort with numbness. Normally, such a funny expression would make his younger sister in arms laugh or poke fun at him. But all he got was a painful expression in return. He had called her kiddo again. A nickname she had begun preparing herself to never hear again. It was enough to break herself down once more, a sob forcing her face back into the blankets while she began crying frantic apologies into the mattress. The Warlock wept as well, his face crumpling as far as he could as he squeezed her hand and whispered 'it's alright', back to her softly in response. Neither of them knew what to do.
Lescha and Merry walked down the hallways of the recovery ward towards Hector's room. They had initially come to visit Veda to see how she was doing but learned that she was now spending most of her time with Hector. As they walked Lescha adjusted the bouquet of flowers she carried in her arms with a 'get well soon' card. She wore a green tank top and blue jeans while Merry had a jacket with a Titan's officer emblem on the back over her red t-shirt and cargo pants. Seeing as the funeral was in a couple of days the two had decided to take some time to recover from the fight with the Fallen. Merry looked over to Lescha with a concerned look.
"You hear anything from Vergil?"
The awoken shook her head. "Nothing. The Speaker's not saying anything either. Only that 'When he is ready to speak of it, he will call on you.'" Sarcasm laced her words as she air-quoted with her free hand.
"Zavala isn't saying anything either." Merry went on. "None of the Vanguard are, but for different reasons I think."
"I thought you said Zavala didn't like Vergil?" Lescha made a confused face.
"He doesn't. At least I don't think he does. He doesn't really make it clear." Merry shrugged. "All I know is they've got history."
Lescha frowned. "I don't get it. I mean, I know Vergil's got his secrets for a reason..."
"Probably why he's lived for so long."
"But why hasn't the Speaker told the Consensus about this? You'd think that Golden Age tech would be good for the City as a whole, right?"
"Yeah, but think about it. If the Speaker told 'em, how'd you think it go? The factions would just try to get it for themselves. None of them like sharing, especially if it's an AI."
The two women stopped at the door to Hector's room. Merry raised her hand to knock but stopped and leaned her ear towards the door. She heard the soft sound of two voices talking to each other and stood back.
"Sounds like he's awake." Lescha put a hand to her mouth in surprise.
"Should we wait? Or come back later?"
"Maybe we should come back later." Merry nodded and turned to leave.
The weeping and consoling was midway, when the Hunter's keen hearing picked up on steps coming down the hallway. A pair, it seemed. Sitting up, Veda frantically began wiping at her eyes, jolting to a stop when she felt how puffy her eyelids were. For a split second, the girl's face flinched in slight disgust as her fingertips examined the strange skin. That was much more than enough to make the male Warlock chuckle softly. It hurt to do so like he usually would, so the gentle laugh would have to do for now. Hearing that chuckle meant the world to Veda; It also meant a wake-up call. The instant it hit her, Veda stared silently into space. While she had allowed herself to be consumed by this sadness, she had so easily forgotten that her brother was alive. It was something to rejoice, and cry happily over. Shaking her head, a small smile passed over her lips. Respect and adoration filled her silver eyes, as she looked back up at her fireteam brother.
"Welcome back Hector!" The girl tilted her head with a kind, open smile. How long had it been since she had done that? Who knows, but that was enough to snap the both of them out of the sorrow for the time. Immediately, Hector used his last good arm to tug her into a hug, which made him groan, and her gasp. Both ended up chuckling as he released, and he gave the toothiest smile his impaired muscles could make.
"Thanks kiddo!", Hector replied, and then gave a small furrow, waving a nub where his right arm was meant to be. "Also, I don't know if it's just my old man memory, but I'm PREEETTTY sure I had an arm here at some point!" Veda blinked, her brow too, furrowing before she cracked up and shook her head.
"It must be your old age." The Hunter snorted, a gentle smile returning. Their fun was cut short as they both caught onto the talking outside the door. Veda got up, and crept near the door. Whoever it was, she didn't want to leave them stranded, especially if it was a doctor or nurse: they'd definitely want to know. Sweeping the door across the threshold, Veda peaked out.
"Oh! Uh... Hi! Do you want to... come in...?" With an exclamation, the girl gave a small smile and wave to the two girls (by now were her idols).
The two women felt like deer in the headlights when Veda opened the door and asked them to stay. Lescha spoke up.
"Well, we don't want to intrude..."
Veda gave a softer expression, trying to look not so flustered. Of course, she could see how they were uncomfortable. She'd be the same, especially if one of them came out with puffy eyes like hers. With a slight nod, she expressed her approval for not wanting to come in.
"It's alright." The girl softly chuckled, breaking a smile. Before Veda could ask them any further about themselves or to ask for a doctor, Hector interjected.
"Ooh! Veda, are those some beautiful ladies I hear?" The man asked as loudly as he could manage, with a rather familiar and quite-missed tone. Veda made a fed up face for a moment, before sighing and curtly stepping back into the room to look at him.
"Yes. But not exactly the right time to be flirting now, is it Cripple?" The man looked offended, his good hand cautiously going up to hold over his heart.
"Cripple?! And here I thought you missed me!" The Warlock gasped, sarcasm bleeding through him like water through paper.
The two women looked at each other as Veda and Hector bantered with each other.
"Sounds like he's feeling better." Merry chuckled, raising an eyebrow. Lescha held back a snort of laughter.
"Sure, we'll stick around if it's no trouble." They followed Veda as she welcomed them into the small room. Both of them winced when they saw Hector. He looked better than when they found him, but the bandages and his missing arm still shocked them a bit, Lescha more so than Merry. Lescha drew in a breath and smiled, walking up to him.
"Hey Hector, how are you feeling?"
The man tried to flash a smile, as flirty as he usually did.
"Better, now that you lovely ladies are here~"
But the effect of his flirt was diminished by the position he was in. Veda, took careful note of this most of all. At first, her face was completely composed as well as her stance. But after laying witness to the drowsy, sort of lazy flirtatious expression, the girl's eyes widened before a hand flew up to her mouth and she turned around; one arm looped about her stomach as she slightly bowed in his opposite direction, laughter threatening to seep through her lips. Hector flushed slightly at this, and pouted toward the girl.
"Geez..." He huffed quietly, before turning back toward the girls. Attempting a wink, he continued. "I wasn't lying, by the way. But may I ask for this beauty's name?" Veda managed to quit her giggles, and went back onto the other side of the bed; opposite to the girls.
"Calm down there Cripple. Raising your blood pressure may just kill you." Some of it was simple sass, but a bit of her truly worried that she was right.
Lescha and Merry couldn't help but smile at the man's feeble attempt flirting with them, but Veda's fit of laughter sent Lescha into a giggle and Merry tried to hold back a snort while shaking her head. Lescha walked up to Hector's bedside table and placed the flowers into a vase sitting on it.
"I'm Lescha, Lescha Amori. Miss Kick-your-ass over there is Merry Hartman." Merry gave an awkward wave then glanced away, rubbing her neck as she leaned against the wall, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks.
Hector caught on to the woman's coy behavior, almost as though he smelled it. The man was a dog as far as Veda was concerned. But, considering that these people were fairly new, and his amazing skills were limited for the moment, he decided to retreat on teasing Merry for today. Smiling at them both, he gave a nod.
"Nice to meet both of you. Name's Hector Bowen. I assume Veda told you already though, hmm?" The man seemed confident in the statement before he looked at Veda. The Awoken girl wore a look much like a child caught grabbing a cookie from the cookie jar. Hector blinked for a moment, before giving a teasing glare. "Veda!"
The girl bowed deeply, her face planting into the mattress as she flusteredly hid away.
"I'M SORRY I WAS KINDA BUSY WORRYING YOU WERE DEAD!" Veda retorted, a blush on her cheeks.
The whole scenario seemed to fall flat on its face after the words left Veda's mouth. Lescha looked down at her feet and Merry shifted even more awkwardly. Bringing back the rest of Veda's team wasn't easy on their souls and still gnawed away in their minds.
While Veda was busy being embarrassed in the situation, her attention distracted, Hector took note of their discomfort. For a sliver of a moment, his face was solemn. However, he soon put on a goofy smile, slightly shifting in his bed to lean over and give a noogie to the ivory haired Awoken. The girl cringed under the touch, before looking up. It was hard not to notice their awkward behavior and she too blushed and covered her mouth.
"S-Sor-" Attempts to speak were demolished once Hector groaned out a loud yawn, before petting the girl's head.
"Hey Kiddo; I'm alive and kicken', got it? And look at you! Lively enough to come and make fun of your big bro I see!" The man mocked, Veda flushing even further before he chuckled and tussled her soft tresses. While he needed time to grieve, he could tell that this wasn't the time: it would only worry others.
Hector's attempt to save the situation worked, making the two women smile, if not a bit awkwardly. Merry took the opportunity to join in the conversation.
"You are looking better Veda, how are the medic's treating you?"
Veda stole away from the noogies, frantically patting at her hair to fix it. Turning back up to the woman, Veda nodded. "Er... They're pretty fussy about a lot. I have to sleep at certain times. Not to mention I'm getting pretty sick and tired of needles." The younger Awoken confessed, a slight huff in her tone. Hospitals were not her forte. Hector held a smug grin, and gazed down condescendingly. "Mhmm." He mocked, before Veda shot him a soft glare. The man laughed once more before resting his eyes.
"Hey Kiddo, I'm gonna get some more sleep, if you don't mind." Hector yawned, his smile sticking to his features. Veda was taken back, before she stood and glanced at the women, gesturing a small 'shush'.
Merry rolled her eyes as Lescha scoffed at the man's antics. He certainly knew how to make an impression. Merry motioned to Lescha, indicating they should leave and let Hector rest. She nodded and they began heading for the door. Standing over her brother's sleeping form, the girl lightly pressed her hand against the bed, leaning down and giving a gentle kiss to his forehead. Lescha stopped for a second as a thought came to her and waved at Veda to follow her outside. She noticed her idol beckoning her, which immediately brought on a bright smile. Quietly, she tip-toed out of the room. To any stranger's eye, it was easy to tell that it was to women visiting the youngest: Veda was wearing a hospital gown; the first ever non-armor outfit she'd worn since her revival. But, since they WERE in the medic bay, it wasn't all that strange.
"I need your opinion for something, can you look at it and tell me what you think?"
Excited much like a child meeting their hero, Veda nervously smiled and clicked the door shut behind her. "Yes, of course!" The white-tressed Awoken happily exclaimed.
Lescha reached into her back pocket and pulled out three photographs.
"You know that magazine, 'Guardian Monthly'? I got contacted by them after some shoots I did for my modelling company and they wanted to interview me. The interview's done but they wanted a good picture for the cover so we got down to these three."
She was topless in all three pictures but was either turned away from the camera or was covering herself with her arms. In the first she was lying down, propped up by her left arm facing away from the camera as she looked to the right. The second was a close up of her facing forward; she was looking to her right, chin resting on her right hand while her left arm crossed over it so it was covering her breasts. The third she was standing up looking left with her back towards the camera; her right hand was covering herself while the left hung low.
What these three pictures were showing, however, were the extensive scars that covered her body. Three large claw marks were the most prominent, one going from her bellybutton over her side, another on her left shoulder and the last just under her right breast, traveling over to her back. These were complemented with a few smaller scars that went up and down her back. Lescha looked up with a sad smile.
"The interview is about my recovery story. It's been bothering me still, even after all this time, so I decided that talking about it would help me get over it.
Veda nodded excitedly as the woman began explaining. Of course, such a beautiful Guardian would be modeling for propaganda and so forth. Knowing her story would no doubt give hope to many people.. including Veda herself. It hadn't occurred to her, but when the fellow Awoken gave a sad smile and explained, Veda realized this. For a moment, she swallowed, and glanced down at the photos. Normally, such images might make her blush, considering they were of someone she adored and looked up to. However, the circumstances and rather current events had slightly altered her mindset. After examining them all, Veda took the poses into consideration. A serious light took to her young silver eyes, crossing the photos over and over. After a moment, she handed the photos back, but slid her pick over the other two. Tapping it lightly with her finger, Veda gazed back at Lescha.
"This one." The photo in question was the last of the three: the one where it could be seen she was standing. Of course, Veda planned to explain herself as well.
"Er... I know it's just my own opinion though... I..." A sigh escaped her throat as she stared at the photo back in the hands of the woman. "I like that you can see your scars. And that you're standing tall. After what you've been through, your pride in your body and the ability to stand is tremendous. Moreover, you're facing away like... Like.." Veda tried to gather words as she took a deep breathe and breathed out. "Like you're moving forward."
When the young Hunter trailed off, her mind did as well, her own words making her actually think. Realizing she was speaking so adamantly about it, the girl flushed and immediately went to rub her neck; an embarrassed chuckle escaping her throat.
"Ahaha... But er... That's just er... me..." With or without her conscious knowledge, Veda's volume dwindled toward the end of her sentence.
Lescha smiled and brought the young girl into a tight hug.
"Thanks, I was leaning towards that one too. And I think you're right; it does make me look tall, doesn't it?" She pulled away and jabbed a thumb at Merry with a smirk. "She wouldn't give me an opinion, so boring!"
"I don't know how your model business shit works!" Merry defended. "So don't try to rope me into it!"
"You're just jealous." Merry flipped her off as Leshca turned back to Veda.
"You're not even using that word right." Merry's muttering turned to grumbles as she crossed her arms.
"Whatever. Thanks Veda! Minnie, let Rupert know that we've decided to go with number three." Lescha's ghost popped up and gave an excited nod.
"Okay! Also, hi Veda! Nice to meet you!" She dematerialized again and Lescha shook her head.
"She's busy managing all of my 'appointments', so don't take it too personally if she puts you off a bit." She lifted her arms over her head and stretched. "I suppose we've spent a little too much time yammering away, there's still work to be done. I gotta see Lakshimi-2 about that Omolon contract."
Merry nodded in agreement. "I got some stuff to finish up before, you know, the funerals." She walked over and hugged Veda. "If you ever want to talk to us about anything, just let us know, okay?
The first one: fireworks. The second: a damn fine miracle ordained by the Traveler itself. To have received not one: but TWO hugs from such a role model and prestigious, influential figure, was overwhelmingly amazing for Veda. Not to mention, they were in the same day. It was much like a child receiving a hug from Santa Claus, or something of that caliber. What made each one that much more tender and sweet, was the fact that it rekindled a familiar sensation of loving arms; akin to her fireteam's warm embrace. While wounds on her heart were fairly fresh and stung, the fond memories that flooded back overshadowed such sorrowful feelings. Even while the young Hunter wished more than anything to return the tight hug, her reality check returned that this woman was her idol. Flushed after both experiences, Veda returned a kind and bright smile: one that revealed she did indeed have nice teeth. The banter between the two of them made her wonder if she could ever reach a friendship with them... But, as farewells were due, Veda bowed, and continued a smile.
"I... Thank you. I will take you up on your offer." Her cheeks remained blushing as the fellow Awoken went off on her personal business. Turning to Merry, the girl rubbed the nape of her neck and smiled awkwardly.
"Er... if you're not busy, would you mind maybe helping me find some er... casual clothes?"
The question took the titan by surprise, she didn't have any spare clothing? The notion seemed odd to her, but she decided not to press the matter. She gave the young girl a smile.
"Sure, did you want me to get you something for the time being? I'm pretty sure I can find something that'll fit."
The initial look of confusion, even if unintentional, was noticed by the young Awoken. It made her cheeks darker than before as she chuckled further. Her offering to give her clothing made her eyes wide and her hands go up in dismissal.
"O-oh you don't have to!" Veda began, and then stopped to think. She did have to consider that even if she didn't want to impose, she had to consider that the only clothes she had were her Guardian's garb, and the hospital gown. And she hadn't been to the city by herself dressed in either so... Left a bit lost as to what to do, the girl brought her hand up to her lips in thought.
Merry smiled. "It's not a problem, but maybe the hospital's got some clothes for you to use? That way you're not standing around waiting for me"
Veda smiled in return, but with a realization in her eyes. Of course! Veda couldn't help but recognize a pattern of wisdom in the Guardian's she encountered whom bonded with Vergil. It was slightly unnerving, but a respectable and enviable pattern. Hopefully she would get to be that logical too. Waving goodbye to the problem solver, Veda quickly made her way back to the med bay. Once back in the hospital, she inquired to the nurse about if she could get some clothes. At first, the woman opened her mouth to say she didn't, but stopped. After some thinking, the woman smiled and said yes. Instructed to wait, Veda returned to her room and sat on her bed, Amicus materializing before her.
"Clothes?" The voice arose, more curious than mocking. A little mocking, but very slightly so. The woman returned shortly, a pair of skinny jeans, a black long sleeve t-shirt, and a pair of plain black running shoes. Setting them on top of the nightstand, the woman excused herself. While Veda was a bit excited, the nurse herself kept the secret of their origin to herself. Knowing the girl for a short time, she doubted that she would willingly take the nurse's clothes. That's why she quietly handed them over without explanation, so she could take them willingly.
Merry couldn't help but smile at Veda's enthusiasm after she ran off. It was nice to see her so happy despite all that's happened in the last week. She decided to head for Veda's room to take her shopping. She needed something to wear at the funeral and Merry was happy to help.
When she got there she found a nurse waiting outside Veda's door.
"Getting dressed?" The nurse nodded.
"Yup, I'm letting her borrow mine so she can go out. You'll be taking her I'm guessing?"
Merry raised an eyebrow. "Yeah. That was nice of you, does she know that?"
"She wouldn't take it if she did."
"Heh. You got that right." Merry knocked on the door. "Veda? Can I come in?"
Amicus had dematerialized at this point, respecting Veda's wishes. Even though he was another 'brother' and companion, Veda still felt uncomfortable changing in front of viewing eyes. In the exact moment she asked to come in, the shirt was half on, her arms hanging in the air as she stopped tugging it down.
"Um... One second!" The Awoken called back, rushing to slide on the fabric. Sure enough, as she went over to the door and opened it, Merry was awaiting. Smiling brightly, the girl invited her inside as she returned to her bed side. She had yet to put on her shoes, which she was currently stepping into. The reason it had taken so long, was because never had the Hunter had to deal with things like buttons or zippers, like her jeans had.
Merry tilted her head and chuckled.
"You look good, but we definitely have to find something that's 'you'." She pulled up her inventory to check her glimmer. It totaled a little over twenty thousand. Definitely more than enough for a new wardrobe. She tucked it away and looked at the young girl.
"Now, I'm sure you've got your own glimmer, but if you see something you like and you don't have enough I can help you. Within reason of course."
Veda chuckled a bit and nodded in agreement. Somehow, she felt like some worker lady down in the City. She'd always see those sorts of women roaming around when they stopped by for a bite to eat or go to the bathroom. Or some nutty children running about. But that wasn't particularly relevant now. When Merry had told her about funding, all the girl could do was have her mouth agape. Pay for her? Oh no. Oh no no no.
"Er... I'm actually okay... But thank you." A soft smile graced her lips. Much like Abellone, Merry had an air about her that... was a bit motherly. It was a warm sensation, that she silently enjoyed. Asking in her head, she inquired Amicus about her funds. He cross-referenced prices typically seen in the City, and got back to her, saying her glimmer funds were, in his words, "just fine".
Merry turned to the nurse. "What time do you need her back?"
The nurse took in a big huff, and released a larger sigh. Though particularly troublesome and stubborn, the woman had a soft spot of compassion for her. It wasn't hard to tell what was going on. A smile went on her expression as she glanced over at Veda.
"I want her sometime before dusk, if you can manage it."
"Yes ma'am." Merry winked with a smirk. "Alright kiddo, let's go have some fun."